Scientists have assessed the impact of humor on the well-being of the elderly

Scientists from the University of Sheffield have found that a sense of humor for older people is an important tool for psychological adaptation and maintaining communication with society. The study showed that the ability to laugh at life's difficulties is directly correlated with a high level of subjective well-being. This was reported by Medical Xpress magazine on March 29.

Humor performs important social functions, helping people of all ages to have difficult conversations, reduce tension, and maintain connections. Experts interviewed 20 respondents over the age of 60, having previously asked them to assess their condition.

It turned out that the decrease in the number of jokes in the lives of older people is not due to cognitive impairment, as previously thought, but to a reduction in social contacts and loneliness.

"Now that I live alone, the situation has become more awkward. But as soon as I start getting to know someone, that's when the humor comes out in communicating with other people. Not when I'm alone," said the 75-year-old participant in the study.

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The authors noted that many elderly people are forced to resort to self-censorship for fear of appearing rude or violating modern social norms. The respondents admitted that they are afraid to joke in the presence of strangers, as their preferences in humor are often perceived as unacceptable by the younger generation.

The study also revealed the "dark side" of humor. Participants with low levels of well-being are more likely to use jokes as a defense mechanism or mask to hide their true emotional needs. At the same time, those who use humor as a social tool to strengthen bonds have higher rates of mental health.

The scientists emphasized that situational humor and political satire remain the most in demand among the older generation, while comedies based on obscene language or ridiculing specific people cause them discomfort and rejection.

On February 10, Medical Xpress talked about the benefits of laughter for heart health. According to the publication, it is able to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. The scientists also emphasized that accepting happiness and laughter is good not only for the heart, but also for overall health.

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